Barney's Story
45 years of hard work, dedication, and a smile that lifts everyone up.
Barney Fleming has spent 45 years working at Lions Services.
Barney is a Charlotte native, a proud graduate of Garinger High School, and someone who has never let life slow him down. After losing his vision to retinitis pigmentosa, he chose not to step back but to step forward. And he's been moving forward ever since.
Over the years, Barney has done it all. From custodial work, packaging to production assembly to operating machines, he's built a career defined by hard work, dedication, and pride. But ask his coworkers what stands out most, and they won't start with his job titles—they'll tell you about his smile.
Barney shows up each day with a big smile. It's the kind of smile that lifts others up, the kind that reminds everyone around him that attitude matters. He doesn't just do his job—he makes the workplace better simply by being there.
Outside of Work
Outside of work, Barney's heart is just as full. He loves to fish, enjoying the calm and quiet of the water. And if you really want to see his competitive side, you'll find it on the beep baseball field.
For more than 40 years, Barney has played the sport he loves, earning Most Valuable Player honors multiple times across North Carolina. To him, it's more than a game—it's passion, teamwork, and joy all rolled into one.
And then there's his red truck, one of his favorite things. He loves nothing more than hopping in with his family, heading out for a drive, and spending time with the people he cares about most.
More Than an Employee
Barney is more than an employee. He's a teammate, a friend, and an advocate for others who are blind or visually impaired. He shows, through every action, that independence, purpose, and happiness are not defined by sight but by spirit.
Dedicated Worker
45 years of hard work across custodial, packaging, production assembly, and machine operation.
Champion Athlete
Multi-time MVP in beep baseball across North Carolina over more than 40 years of play.
Community Advocate
A friend and advocate for others who are blind or visually impaired, leading by example every day.
"If you ever meet Barney, you'll understand right away."
"Because chances are, before you even say a word… he's already made you smile."
Stories Like Barney's Start with Your Support
Employment, purpose, and community—help us make that possible for more people with vision loss.